Maramataka

Synchronised planning

When is the best time, what is coming up?

Asthe Earth and moon are constantly revolving around the sun making night andday, months and seasons, it follows that the local lunar calendar makes the best

account of the changes in nature for that region.

Maramataka is an account of the effects of the moon and sun on the earth describing times for various events and activities. It also describes the nature of rahui, or times when certain things are out of bounds and best left alone.

What follows is a Whangaroa based calendar passed down in the Ngati miro whanau – hapu tradition.

Unlike the common Gregorian calendar, Maramataka is able to predict natures events. For example, at every new moon (WHIRO), and full moon the tide is full in Whangaroa harbour early morning.

At Tamatea io (1 st quarter), and Tangaroa a Mua (3 rd quarter) it is full just after midday.

Names of the month through the year describe events and activities through the seasons, while names for the nights and days of the month tell about events and activities throughout any given month.

Studying and planning our activities around these events is an act of Kaitiakitanga.